Saxophone Forum

Sticking pads

I have an '57 Martin Alto which needs re-padding. I'm waiting for some pads to arrive in the mail from The States. but in the meantime I need to use the sax. What can I use as a short term remedy for sticking pads? What should I not use?
Ralph. S E London

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Re: Sticking pads

Put a piece of paper currency between the pad and tonehole, press down on the pad cup and pull the paper out. Do this a few times. this is a good quick fix assuming that it's due to crud build-up on the pad or tonehole.

Re: Sticking pads

Brilliant!! It worked. Was that little nugget of information known to everyone in the sax community except me or just seasoned old pros like your good self? I used copier paper rather than wipe half a century of dried saliva onto my beer vouchers.
Thanks, You're a genius